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Taking a Closer Look at Minecraft: Xbox One Edition

Having Minecraft come to the Xbox One is awesome in and of itself, but even better is that the game has been revamped and fine-tuned in a lot of ways, making Minecraft: Xbox One Edition the ultimate expression of the world’s greatest open-world creativity and survival sim. And hey, if you don’t own an Xbox One yet, Minecraft: Xbox One Edition is the perfect reason to make the jump. Why not take advantage of our week-long promotion starting Monday and pick out a free, full-priced game with your new system? Or, beginning tomorrow, if you buy an Xbox One through the Microsoft Store, you’ll also get a $50 Xbox Gift Card with your purchase!”

If you’re already a Minecraft fan, you may be wondering what some of the differences are on Xbox One. Well, first and foremost: This is the classic Minecraft you know and love, so there are a lot more similarities than differences. But here are some things that make Minecraft: Xbox One Edition worth getting lost in, for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Easy Menu Navigation: Crafting tables and other building tools have been simplified with a tabbed interface, making it easier to see what items you can make with the stuff you’ve got, and what items you can go on to make with the ones you’ve just created. Everything’s categorized logically, so it’s easy to get to what you want.

Intuitive Controls: Everything’s mapped to the Xbox One gamepad in a logical and straightforward way, making it easier for new players to get into the game. This was no fluke, as it took a lot of fine-tuning to make everything feel so intuitive.

Tutorial Pop-ins: For new players, Minecraft features not only a tutorial island that teaches you all the game’s core mechanics, but also helpful pop-ins that provide information relative to whatever you happen to be doing.

Easy Online Multiplayer: Simply check a box in your options menu in order to flag your game world as online-capable. You can set it to invite-only if you just want to play with your friends, or open it up to everyone. No need to set up a server, or anything! It’s really as simple as a single button press (and this goes for player-versus-player action, too).

Achievements: As if we would forget this one! Minecraft: Xbox One Edition has a bevy of Achievements that reward you for determination, creativity and skill. We don’t know about you, but we’re going for the perfect 1000 Gamerscore.

Add-On Content: Minecraft: Xbox One Edition also features the largest selection of DLC on console and more than 20 texture packs, mash-ups and skins (including the Xbox-exclusive Halo Mash-up Pack) from the Xbox 360 version, giving the game a unique look on the Xbox One.

And there you have it – this is the slickest, most accessible version of Minecraft out there. So what are you waiting for? Go check out Minecraft: Xbox One Edition already! And don’t forget: If you already own Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, you can upgrade to the Xbox One version for a mere $4.99. Get those pickaxes swingin,’ next-gen-style!